“Noah complied; he did just as God had commanded him” (Genesis 6:22).

Words to Remember

“Measure twice, cut once” is an expression we can imagine St. Joseph softly but firmly saying to teen Jesus as they bent over woodworking projects together. The phrase has proven to be worth repeating across the ages.

Many of us can think of expressions our dads frequently said while we were growing up. Often, those sayings were passed down from previous generations. Examples include:

●      Keep your eye on the ball.

●      The early bird gets the worm.

●      Money doesn’t grow on trees.

Whether we realized it or not, such guidance often shaped our personal and business relationships and our approach to money and time management and impacted our tolerance for risk.

Specific Instructions

In Genesis 6:14-16, we read about the detailed instructions God gave a Biblical father, Noah, for how to build an ark. While these days, it may seem peculiar to read about cubits, the point is that our heavenly Father provided Noah with exactly what he needed to build a safe and secure vessel.

Although it might have been tempting given the enormity of the undertaking, Noah did not veer from God’s words. And, for his efforts, we have more than just a charming story ending with a rainbow but a portrayal of how we can minimize the hardship of our own life’s storms when we heed the wisdom of our fathers.

Fathers as Builders

As builders, many fathers, like St. Joseph and Noah, take on the responsibility of creating safe and secure environments for their families. In doing so, our dads provided physical shelters that gave us the ability to play, learn, and feel comfort in the presence of the people who loved us.

Beyond strong walls and sturdy roofs, however, we greatly benefit when our earthly fathers build the foundation for the intellectual and spiritual pursuit of why and how to “walk with God,” as Noah did (Genesis 6:9). Those fathers who bestow on their children an appreciation for the type of shelter that only our Heavenly Father can provide give their children the keys to a secure dwelling.

Check the Manual

Years ago, many of us entered our family’s car with our dad sitting in the passenger seat, ready to give us our first driving lesson. For some fathers, the first action was to open up the glove box and pull out the instruction manual.

“Vehicle performs optimally when operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,” the dad would read aloud, slowly and in all seriousness. Then, he’d look up from the page, and the new driver and the parent would lock eyes.

This anecdote is no longer just about driving. This statement, understood now as a metaphor, reminds us to adhere to the guidance of our manufacturer, our creator and Holy Father, so that we, too, will perform at our best.

When we feel overwhelmed and are seeking direction in how to drive on our own path, we need only to flip to Proverbs to find countless versions of “look before you leap” and “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” The book even encourages us to listen: “A wise son loves correction, but the scoffer heeds no rebuke” (Proverbs 13:1).

Share His Word

Whether one is building a home, a business, a family, or an opportunity, we can benefit from the tips gained from the experience of our father and forefathers. The most helpful information is when our earthly fathers turn to God’s instruction manual to impart the gift of wisdom that its pages contain. In those cases, Father’s Day has a divine and deeper connection that cuts through the ages. God bless the fathers and father figures who have shared His Word with us, their daughters!

Linda A. Burrows is an attorney specializing in trust and estate law in southern California. She studied journalism at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and law at Pepperdine and is currently pursuing a masters in tax law at Georgetown. Linda is the founder of Soul Soda, a non-profit with the mission of refreshing faith in those, particularly Catholics, who are feeling disconnected from their religious roots. She is a wife and mother of three teens. Linda’s Confirmation name was that of St. Gabriel the Archangel.